We’re writing as community members, taxpayers, former Rock Valley College students and parents of a possible future RVC student. Rock Valley College board members are in the middle of making an important decision — perhaps the most important they will ever make — picking a new RVC president. We believe it would be a tragedy and missed opportunity if Mike Mastroianni isn’t that person.

We have had the privilege to know Mike and his family for more than 15 years. He is a man of unquestionable integrity, character and honesty. Mike is a reason to be proud of this community and have hope for its improvement. He has a vested interest in Rockford. He’s lived here all his life.

Rockford does not have the greatest track record when it comes to bringing in people from the outside to manage major organizations. We point to the last decade of turmoil in the Rockford School District. It has calmed down recently with the district’s new leadership team, and we don’t believe it’s a coincidence that much of that District 205 leadership team is homegrown talent.

It’s clear that trustees have put a lot of time and effort into coming up with four qualified finalists. In our opinion, none of them are as qualified as Mike. At the top of the list of reasons is his connection to the community. Of those four finalists, all of them, with the exception of Mike, are outsiders.

Any of those candidates will have a lot of ground to make up just to get to the level Mike is at already. He’s built strong relationships with not only community leaders at both the government and general public level, but he also has close ties to business leaders, many of whom have the greatest need for the students that RVC turns out. This is a crucial time for many of those businesses that must find qualified workers. Those relationships allow Mike to understand that need better than anyone from outside the area.

Mike has already proven himself as not only a part of the RVC leadership team but also during the last several months as he’s served as interim president. Rock Valley College has made efforts that would not have happened without Mike’s leadership and guidance. Most recently, he saved an agreement with the Chicago Rockford International Airport, working closely with airport administrators to expand RVC’s aviation maintenance program — clearly a win-win for both RVC and RFD. Mike understands Rockford’s needs and the needs of the students he serves.

He has the wisdom and patience to provide a balance. He is a level-headed consensus builder, diplomat and mediator.

There is no need to look far to find the leader who will bring RVC to the next level. That person is already here. He’s been here his whole life. That leader should be Mike Mastroianni. We’re proud to know him.

Marla Wilson is a former candidate for state senator and Eric Wilson is a longtime television journalist.